Sunday, January 26, 2014

How much fabric?

A couple of weeks ago, Peggy asked how I keep track of fabric used in the scrap quilts.  I multiply the length and width of the quilt and then multiply that by 2.25 (front, back, and 25% for the seam allowances.) Then I add up the length of all four sides to figure out how much binding I used. By my math, I figure there's 1500 square inches of fabric in a yard and 600 inches of 2 1/2" binding per yard.

Because I use the same sizes so often for the baby quilts, I've made myself a little chart so I don't have to keep redoing the math.

The method isn't perfect. Those excess bits that get trimmed away and tossed when I'm cutting fabric never get counted. But it does help me compare how much fabric I use from month to month and year to year. Have  I mentioned that I'm easily entertained?

Weekly Stash Report 

Nothing in. Nothing out. I don't think I even turned on my sewing machine this week, but I did manage to knit a letter "S" and I've started digging out my UFOs. I think that counts as progress.

Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: 1.75 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Net Used for 2013: 1.75 yards

Yarn Used this Week: 0 yards
Yarn Used year to Date: 0 yards
Yarn Added this Week: 0 yards
Yarn Added Year to Date: 200 yards
Net Added for 2013: 200 yards

I'm linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times.


5 comments:

DeeDee said...

I do my calculations almost the same way - hard to know how much fabric is used when using scraps. Hope you find time to turn on your machine this week.

Libby in TN said...

I have a similar method for scraps, as well. But I read somewhere (I think it was Anita Solomon) that in a paper-pieced pineapple over 60% is hidden in the seams. So if I'm using a lot of little scraps I add 50%.

Linda M @ Pieceful Kingdom said...

That's a great way to figure out how much fabric is used. Thanks for the tip!

Kate said...

I use the area of the piece to calculate my usage. That works pretty well except when I paper piece.

Catholic Bibliophagist said...

Oh, thank you! I want to track my fabric usage this year, and since almost all of my quilts are scrappy your method will be very, very helpful

--C.B.

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